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NURSE LEE 

By 

KATHARINE S. SPENCER 

ILLUSTRATION 

By 

BERTHA L. CORBETT 


THE JOURNAL PRINTING COMPANY 
Racine, Wisconsin 

1909 



.^•1 






Copyright, 1909 
By 

KATHARINE SMITH SPENCER 


|L;Si 1«-HY of CONGRESS 
! f ^'oOoDies Received 

I APR 22 



DEDICATED TO THE 

Florence Nightingale Society 


Was a favorite dream of Florence Nightin-- 
gale*s youth that there might be bands of women 
devoted, for a time, or for life, to the holy cause 
and arduous work of alleviating the anguish of 
the sick-bed. '' 



\ 


NURSE LEE 

Romance of a Hospital 

Tlie Kghts dimly burning about the halls of 
the hospital, the extreme quietness pervading the 
entire place, bespoke the hour of midnight. 

Quietly moving about the long ward among 
the rows of the cots upon which weary sufferers 
reclined, a young, dark-eyed, brown-haired, trim 
little figure, clad in the dainty nurses’ garb, turned 
the pillows, brought water for the fevered lips of 
first one and then another of the patients. The 
tinkling of the tiny bells from all parts of the 
small hospital reached the ear of the little night- 
nurse. Her quick response soothed the weary suf- 
ferers. To know that she was near, ready to lift the 
aching limb or shoulder, was a comfort. Only a 
slight turn of the afflicted body would bring, in 
the gentleness of her touch, very often, great relief. 

The strong man of yesterday suddenly made 
weak and helpless as a tiny babe by some accident 
or illness, depended upon the ministrations of 
this gentle, sweetfaced, little night-nurse! She 
would soothe the aching head; rub the pain- 


2 


NURSE LEE 


tortured back, then gently place a bolster or a pil- 
low just where it was needed for relief. She never 
seemed weary or impatient; always ready with 
encouraging words. Even when the dawn appear- 
ed, and the sunlight came in at the high windows 
about the hospital, no sign of fatigue gave place 
to her pleasant bearing. She seemed made of 
strength and goodness 1 AE night she had Kstened 
to the sighs of pain. The call of the man in delir- 
ium had fallen on her ear. Still, this seemingly 
frail little body bathed each pale face, h^ last duty 
for the night, and with all gentleness, a kind 
word of cheer, she bade her patients ^^good morn- 
ing.’’ Then all the day she took her rest. 

Night in any sickroom is depressing. Es- 
pecially is it so in a hospital. All sounds 
from without the busy world cease; always 
there is that feeling of loneliness stealing over 
the heart of the patient. Sometimes a muffled 
sound of hurrying footsteps is heard in the 
halls. The odor of those relief-giving bless- 
ings, anaesthetics, grows stronger and stronger; 
some poor sufferer has been brought in maimed 
or ill; then a quiet comes. So the night 
passes. Doctors and nurses are ever at hand, and 


TORSE LEE 


3 


through the corridors they move about with quiet 
and firm steps. 

Constantly some body comes, others leave, day 
after day, a procession of affhcted humanity. Some 
kind act which the ^^recording angeh^ never over- 
looks, and which no glimmer of gold or shimmer 
of silver can ever repay, transpires in every hos- 
pital year after year. 

For the devoted nurses, the skillful doctors 
^^surely goodness and mercy should follow them 
all the days of their lives 

The little night nurse glided out of the hospital, 
reaching the nurses’ home near by just as a part of 
the day force was leaving for the tender work. 
Tired as she was, she still had time to speak thus, 
with a kind, though admonishing tone of voice to 
one of the nurses who passed her. ^^Cap not on 
quite straight, Freida, let me fix it; courage girl, 
you’ll become used to it.” 

^^The work, yes,” answered good natured 
Freida, but my cap is always on a tilt, cuffs lost 
or something wrong.” 

Strong, tall, pleasant, willing was Freida. 
Only just a little dislike for the monotonous part 
of the nurses’ life! This latter trait of her char- 


4 


NURSE LEE 


acter showed quite plainly before the day closed. 

Sitting in the laboratory, beside a table, wind- 
ing bandages, she spoke to a nurse opposite her, 
also busy at work at the same occupation. 
dear! How I do wish something romantic would 
ever happen in this hospital, broken toes, legs, 
arms, heads, so monotonous — oh, dear,’’ she sighed 
again. 

“Your cap is on crooked, Freida — romance is 
out of place, too, in a hospital.” 

“Well, yes of course, my cap is on crooked, it 
always is — still romances do happen in hospitals, 
I’m sure.” 

^To be sure they do,” continued her companion, 
“the history of this very hospital is a romance in 
itself.” 

“Yes, but I do wish the romance would keep 
up, some way.” 

“Just in order to keep up your spirits, hey, 
Freida; too much pain and sorrow, dear? After 
your first year it will seem different to you and 
you may find a romance — there goes the tele- 
phone.” Freida rose to answer it. 

“Is this ^Mercy Hospital?” 

“Yes.” 


NURSE LEE 


5 


^Trepare room one, first fioor, immediately for 
a patient— cot bed for special/’ 

As Freida passed her companion at the table, 
she said, ^Trom the best surgeon in the city — 
gave it himself so it must be a severe case” — and 
on she went into the office to inform the matron; 
then back to her bandages she came, tilting the 
refractory cap, saying in the softened tones of the 
nurse — ^^wish she would give it to me — maybe 
she will — here she comes now.” 

^Treida,” said the matron hurriedly, ^^prepare 
room FTo. 3, first floor, place cot, be ready to take 
notes when the patient arrives.” 

Instantly Freida was on her feet, noiselessly, 
joyously, glad of the change, walking in the direc- 
tion of the designated room. She wondered who 
for, man, woman or child. It did not take her 
long to make the few necessary preparations, for 
the room was white and spotless in its daintiness. 
The cot was placed in a cosy corner of the room, 
everything so arranged as to be handy. Freida 
stood for awhile before the mirror straightening 
her apron, adjusting her cuff-pins, and tucking the 
stray curls beneath her cap, looking trim and neat 
as she awaited the coming of the patient. 

A carriage came up the street. It stopped at 


6 


NURSE LEE 


the entrance to ^^Mercy Hospital’’ A young boy 
stepped out of the carriage. He held out his hand 
to the other occupant, a beautiful young lady, 
his sister, who leaned forward gazing out and hasti- 
ly scanning the surroundings. With a shy, hesi- 
tating air she took the proffered hand of her little 
pale-faced brother and stepped out of the carriage. 

Gently, and with encouraging words the little 
fellow of fourteen years, but brave, guided her 
up the wide steps, and to the door of the large 
vestibule of the hospital. 

Answering the ring of the bell, and looking 
into the fair faces of the brother and sister, Freida 
felt a touch of the romance for which she was long- 
ing. Announcing that they were the party from 
the celebrated surgeon, she conducted them to 
room number one, first fioor! Leaving them alone 
to adjust themselves to the new surroundings she 
walked into the laboratory where she spoke in an 
undertone of voice to the nurses about the room, 
reaching for her form and pencil as she did so. 

^^It’s the young lady who is the patient — that 
brave little fellow must be her brother — he feels 
worse than she does for he is as pale as a ghost, 
and she is so calm — said their mother was too ill 
to come wdth them. I will know all about it soon.” 


NURSE LEE 


7 


A little later Freida went to the room, and 
seating herself near the fair patient, began ask- 
ing the necessary questions in regard to the place 
of residence, and so forth, writing the desired in- 
formation in the form spread out on her lap. 
Grace Lee was the name of the patient. sweet 
name,’’ thought Freida. 

On the morrow the operation would take place. 
It was necessary to begin the complete rest for 
the hours of the night which the patient must 
have. Tea was served in the room for brother and 
sister, a sweet-faced nurse bringing it in; an- 
other to take the patient’s temperature; another 
to prepare for the operation, there seemed no end 
to the number of pleasant-faced nurses flitting in 
and out of the room — so dainty in their striped 
blue and white dresses, white caps, aprons and 
cuffs. 

^^How nice they all are, brother — which one do 
you suppose will be my special nurse?” inquired 
Grace. 

^^Sbe is not on duty until morning,” the brother 
replied. 

^The one who met us at the door with her cap 
tilted just a little, the big, strong one, looks so kind. 
How well she could lift me and turn me about! I 


8 


NURSE LEE 


most wish she were to be with me — but they are all 
nice — I could scarcely choose between them.’’ 

^^Your special no doubt will be just as nice,” 
said the brother encouragingly, trying to suppress 
the feeling of pity in his heart. 

Ah! the long night in the strange hospital, 
with the thought of the morrow constantly 
before her while she lay on the cot. Each 
moment seemed counting between life and 
death; would it be the Angel Azrael” who 
watches over the dying to separate the soul from 
the body, or would it be the ^^Angel of Life” who 
‘^with a smile that would fill the heart with light,” 
would proclaim his coming thus, ^^My errand is 
not death, but life!” 

The dawn came slowly after the long night, as 
if it would not hasten on its way, but seemed to 
hover faintly in pity for the young life. When it 
passed at last, and the gorgeous sun arose, the pa- 
tient took courage that it might, ere it sank in the 
west, leave her with results that would assure 
health and strength. 

With the morning came the special nurse, 
bringing with the sunshine, hope and encourage- 
ment. She was so dainty, so gentle, somehow her 
presence seemed to instill only what would help 


NURSE LEE 


9 


the mind and body — as if into her tender nursing 
care one would be sure in trusting life. 

Ah, those noble doctors with pity in their 
eyes as they stood about, directing the nurses in 
preparations for the ordeal! A young life in their 
hands, skillful they must be, and their patient 
so beautiful, so fair; her life they must save! 

The noted surgeon took the brother's hand in 
his, whispering words of encouragement, and as 
he gazed in the boy’s face, there shown such a 
depth of feeling, such a look of courage and nobil- 
ity in his eyes, the boy seemed to feel the man 
would do his best. 

And when the weary hours of suspense were 
over, there was a rush of white-robed doctors, each 
with outstretched hands, to tell of the success! 

A life saved; a young precious life — ah, the 
tears came to their eyes — and once more the skill- 
ful hands had added laurels to the most noble of all 
professions! The sun had kept the promise. 
Health and strength would come with each suc- 
ceeding arising of its glory! 

The next morning Freida took up the thread 
of her romance when she glanced in at the door 
of room jSTo. 1., first floor. A large bouquet of 
beautiful pink carnations stood on the stand near 


10 


NURSE LEE 


the patient. In the thin delicate hand above the 
coverlet of the cot was one large carnation. The 
nurse sat close at hand, dipping another like 
it in cool water, and placing it on the lips, so parch- 
ed and hot, of the suffering girl. 

Freida thought, no doubt, the flowers were 
from — maybe the lover — and she kept on with her 
weaving of fancies, when, a few days later she saw 
a young gentleman bending lovingly, tenderly 
over the sweet face, and bestow a kiss upon the 
fair brow. 

But the next day a kink was made in the thread 
of her romance, when she saw another young man, 
who brought the patient white and red roses, bend 
just as tenderly to kiss the fair brow. What was 
the use; she must cease her dreaming — it was true, 
romances never do happen in hospitals! 

When the days of convalescence came; when 
the danger was slowly passing away, Freida nearly 
broke the thread of her romance, for the two young 
men came together, each bringing to Grace bunch- 
es of lovely wild flowers. Freida was busy comb- 
ing out the long golden braids of hair trailing 
over the pillow, for she now relieved the special 
nurse a few hours each day, and to her delight, 


NURSE LEE 


11 


for she was so drawn to the fair patient of room 

J^o. 1. 

When the greeting between the two young 
men and Grace was over, the latter said, ^^Nurse 
Freida, my two other dear brothers/’ Snap went 
the thread of romance! Still it was delightful to 
arrange for the sick girl all the beautiful flowers 
that came each day from loving friends, to open 
the boxes and packages, and of being witness to 
the joy which all these remembrances gave the 
patient. All the nurses loved her for her sincere 
appreciation of their kindness. Her generous 
nature asserted itself even when only suffering 
seemed her portion of life, during the long weeks 
of convalescence, when so often irritability was 
shown in so many sick people. 

When the time came that enabled her to be 
raised up in bed for a short rest, she could catch a 
glimpse of the hallways when the door was left 
ajar. She noted the elegance of it, the high newel 
posts with their graceful candelabras; the dainty 
carvings of the wide stairway; the fine large bev- 
eled mirrors, and cushioned seats about the turn 
of the stairs. Never had she seen so beautiful a 
place. She wondered what was beyond, above; 


12 


NURSE LEE 


certainly the rooms must be in harmony with the 
fine hall. 

Going up and down the stairs and about the 
large hall, an old gentleman could sometimes be 
seen from the open door of her room. His long 
hair was white, and curly about his shoulders, and 
his form was somewhat bent with age. Once she 
had caught sight of him while he stood talking 
with Dr. Murray, the hospital physician. They 
would glance toward her room, and once she heard 
the doctor say, ^^Yes, she does look very much like 
her, I noticed when she came.’^ 

The invalid with so little to think about when 
so weak, found, sometimes the hours long and tire- 
some. She began to speculate in her mind about 
this strange hallway; strange for its beauty, in a 
hospital. Why should there be need of so much 
elegance? Then the room, too, where she lay — ^it 
was too nicely decorated for a hospital, for as she 
grew stronger, things became more real, and she 
could bear more light. Those gentle figures 
above the rich moulding, were not of fancy wall 
paper — no, today when the sun shone, she could 
see — that they were beautiful hand-painted roses 
and delicate trailing vines. How strange! 

^Tdl ask Freida; somehow this seems like a ro- 


NURSE LEE 


13 


mantic place, and something about Freida’s bear- 
ing makes me feel that she has a liking for ro- 
mance; she looks at me so strangely at times, that 
I feel as if I were being woven into her fancies 
in some way,” soliloquized Grace. 

It was not long ere the romantically inclined 
nurse made her appearance, and began unbraiding 
the golden hair twined about the head of the girl 
for whom she was learning to have such a fancy. 

^^IVe been wondering so, about the beautiful 
decorations of the hospital, Freida. Can you tell 
me why a finely carved and panelled house, as this 
is growing to be, under the effect of direct rays 
from ^^Old Sol” — should be filled with sick peo- 
ple?” 

^Glave you noticed. Miss Lee, the fine looking 
old gentleman who passes your door every day and 
who wanders about the stairs and haU?” 

^^Why, yes I have,” answered Grace, ^^though 
he does not look at all ill. But what has he to do 
with this hospital with its fine decorations?” she 
added. 

good deal. Miss Lee,” said Freida, as she 
began drawing the brush down the long locks 
she had just unbraided, and as she parted the 
strands for weaving again, the romantic tale of the 


14 


NURSE LEE 


hospital flew from her lips aa nimbly as her fing- 
ers along the golden hair — ^^a good deal to do with 
it, for it was once his home!’’ 

^^Once his home,” repeated the sick girl. 
Freida, how romantic — do tell me more — all about 
it. I’m strong enough, am I not to hear all about 
it?” 

^^Well, there isn’t much to tell — he is a very 
wealthy inan — rolls in it — his money. * Several 
years ago he became tired of living near the heart 
of the great city where the business houses were be- 
ginning to hedge him in. Property about here was 
cheap, and plenty of it, for the city had not reached 
its stage of rapid development in this direction. 
The blue-bells, scilla and violets bloomed all about 
here, and the great trees were in their beauty, 
with no sign at aU of the woodman’s axe. Dear 
Mr. Freemont, for that’s his name, just loved the 
outlook about here, so he determined, against the 
wishes of his family and friends, to build a beau- 
tiful home — and here it is — sl hospital at last! 
You can see by glancing about as far as your 
weak eyes can, that money was not spared in its 
construction. It is all grand! Mr. Freemont glor- 
ied in its grandure, and after it was all finished and 
furnished it was by far the most costly 


NURSE LEE 


15 


home in all this great city. The Freemonts gave 
grand parties here. Up and down the broad 
stairway the beauties of the city glided in their 
trailing silks and satins, diamonds sparkling — oh, it 
must have been a great sight to have seen it alF^ — 
and Freida paused in her weaving of braid and ro- 
mance — glanced out in the hallway as if she ex- 
pected to see them — but only a dainty, sweet-faced 
nurse passed up, bearing a tray — ^^dancing in the 
grand ball-room — that is now the free ward with 
rows of cots and oh, such poor, sick people! My 
heart goes out to them.’’ 

Freida, let me rest now, and think about it 
— grand ladies going aip and down the broad stair- 
way — I can see them now — that’s right Freida, 
leave the door wide open; ah, there he goes — poor 
old gentleman!” 

Left alone, the patient gazed out into the hall, 
and in her imagination always she saw and watched 
them, the fair ladies, some in pink, some in blue, 
yellow, and there goes one in white with glistening 
jewels! She could see them in her mind, waltzing, 
as she had done herself at home among her gay com- 
panions — then the thought of the weary ones lying 
there now — the old gentleman walking about — 


16 


NURSE LEE 


there he is now! Surely it would do no harm as 
he passed her open door to give him a smile. 

And ah, when she did so, how pleasantly his 
face lighted up, and at her bidding he stepped to 
the side of her cot, asking kindly if she still were 
gaining. So each day after that he came to see her, 
and one day he said, half to himself, ^^You look so 
like her.’’ 

^^So like her — who? dear Mr. Freemont.” 

so like — ^like — well, like Dr. Murray’s 

wife.” 

did not know he had a wife — he seems very 
young — indeed I have not thought about it.” 

^^Yes,” sighed the old gentleman, ^^but she 
has gone — and left a little boy — died only a year 
ago. Doctor’s mother lives with him and cares for 
his home and child.” 

Then to Grace came the thought of how kind 
this house doctor had been to her — so full of sym- 
pathy — perhaps it was partly the resemblance — 
for she remembered how she heard him say to Mr. 
Freemont in the hall, ^^Yes, she does look so like 
her.” She remembered, too, how, one day when 
Freida had coiled the heavy braids of hair about 
her head, he had come in, and on seeing her, had 


NURSE LEE 


17 


started, and stammered out, yon have your 
hair done up!’’ Then he had hastily left the 
room. She had so wondered at it then. 

When Freida found opportunity as time passed 
by, she renewed the tale of the hospital romance 
at Grace’s request. It was so interesting to hear 
the history of this haven of refuge for suffering 
humanity, made out of a handsome, grand man- 
sion. 

^^Even the building of this fine house did 
not stimulate the growth, in this direction, of the 
city,” said Freida. ^Tnstead, old houses began to 
travel on rollers toward it, and even stopped at the 
opposite corners as if they thought, we have found 
fine company, we’ll travel no farther! A rail- 
road soon passed not far from it — a cabbage patch 
sprang up, and milk stations were built close to 
it — well, it is strange how things happen, to upset 
our cherished plans — and Mr. Freemont’s friends — 
they did not say much, but often looks are more 
eloquent than words. Discouraged, the builder 
found no appeasment for his disappointment. He 
became, finally, despite the entreaties of his family, 
quite unnerved over it. He felt not so much the 
depreciation in the value of his property, as the 


18 


NURSE LEE 


fact that he had built his home in so delightful a 
location only to find the fine residence part of the 
city steadily inclining in the other direction, leav- 
ing him alone with his fine grounds, stables and 
elegant home. O, how he hated the dirty, dismal 
little houses all about him; how he loved the beau- 
tiful home, every part of! Brooding over the trou- 
ble, at last his health began to fail, and at the so- 
licitation of his family. Dr. Murray was called 
to attend him. But the doctor failed in the treat- 
ment, Mr. Freemont only grew more feeble and 
despondent. Dr. Murray determined to find out 
the cause, and partly surmised that it was the out- 
look about the beautiful home that was worrying 
his patient. The doctor began making friendly 
calls; dropped in unexpectedly at times, until Mr. 
Freemont began to long for and look for his com- 
ing. Little by little the trouble became revealed 
to the doctor and he suggested, very cautiously, 
that a hospital was needed in the neighborhood; 
that no building was of sufficient size to use for 
such puipose. And there was so much need of 
one! So earnestly did he impress the fact upon 
Mr. Freemont’s mind, that the latter began plan- 
ning the desired building in his mind. Gazing out 


NURSE LEE 


19 


over the influx pf oddly constructed houses all 
about him; the impossibility of there ever being 
any change or way to prevent it, grew upon him, 
and one day, after listening to Dr. Murray’s re- 
cital of the agony caused an unfortunate trainman 
by being carried to a hospital a long way off — of 
the immediate need of one near by, he proposed 
to remodel his beautiful home and use it for the 
purpose which Dr. Murray had been talking about 
— transform it into a hospital, a haven where 
stricken humanity, diseased, and maimed could 
receive the attention of the skillful physicians and 
the tender nurses’ care. Dr. Murray was delighted, 
both for his patient and himself. The two began 
in earnest the remodeling of the house, and so en- 
raptured with the project did Mr. Freemont be- 
come that his health revived and his ambition so 
aroused as the work progressed that he seemed to 
enjoy the rebuilding as much, and at last, even 
more than the building. 

^^The grand stables were changed into laundry 
and kitchen, with rooms above. A long ward was 
built connecting the house and remodeled stable; 
an immense porch, sunshiny and cool, ran along 
the side of it, where the convalescent patients 


20 


NURSE LEE 


could sit in the comfortable seats provided, and 
enjoy the outdoor air. When all was completed, 
above the wide entrance at the front of the house, 
the words in large gilt letters could be seen, 
^‘Mercy Hospital,’^ and near the door on the side 
of the porch, the names ^^Dr. George Murray,’’ 
^^Dr. John Bertram.” ^^We have many, many pa- 
tients now,” continued Freida, ^^and leading phy- 
sicians come here to operate.” 

^^How strangely it all came about,,” said 
Grace. “But, Freida, you failed to tell me why 
dear Mr. Freemont spends so much time here, 
now that he can witness only pain and sorrow.” 

“He can’t keep away from it, his interest is so 
great, especially so in the free ward, and he likes 
the rest and quiet. Generally he has this room 
where everything is so cozy — it was his den. He 
is going south with his family soon. But he al- 
ways drifts back here among us toward spring. 
His heart is in this good work now.” 

Grace Lee, after several weeks at Mercy Hos- 
pital is nearing the time of her departure. She is 
still quite weak and pale, but able to be about 
the room, and gaining every day. 

To while away the time for her, those who 


LEE 


21 


had given her skillful and kind attention were 
often gathered in her room. She had won their 
hearts by her patient attitude, until they all dread- 
ed her leaving. Her sweet face and disposition 
had come to be the talk of the hospital — the lit- 
tle crippled children were allowed to go to her 
room, and the patients able to go about were fre- 
quent callers at her door, just for a few words of 
sympathy and encouragement. The doctors and 
nurses, who had known Dr. Murray^s wife, were 
whispering, one to another, of the strong resem- 
blance which she bore to that gracious lady, they 
had all loved, and whose loss they mourned. Mr. 
Freemont often sat in the room, telling Grace 
about his disappointment in regard to his fine 
home. 

^They tell me this was your den, Mr. Free- 
mont; that you were fond of this room.’^ 

^^Yes, how I used to sit here after the evenings 
of entertainment were well spent, when the house 
was gay with youth and its accompanying beauty, 
watching the fair forms glide up and down the 
stairway! But it is better as it is — better to bring 
help to those ill and afflicted — better than spark- 
ling jewels and trailing silks, these bandages and 


22 


NURSE LEE 


crutches. The free beds, too, only think what they 
mean to those who have been unfortunate^ — sick- 
ness makes such havoc when one can not work. I 
delight in being able to help thus — to know some 
one sick has the use of a snowy white cot, with a 
sweet, kind nurse in attendance doing every thing 
possible to relieve the pain.’’ 

^Treida has been telling me all about it. I 
have imagined those gay ladies — and know how 
grand it all must have been in those days. I have 
had many such evenings of pleasure, too, with my 
silks and satins, jewels, all those nice things that 
girls like so well, but now I’m determined, if I 
get well and strong — I will, ah — Dr. Murray, you 
have come just in time to hear me say I will be 
strong enough to — ” 

^^To what?” Miss Lee,. 

^^To be strong enough some day to learn to be 
a trained nurse — to care for the sick and dying — 
oh, it^is such a grand life! After I have lived 
to understand what life really is — not to be whiled 
away frivolously, but to be put to some great pur- 
pose; I want to do something grand for humanity 
— money cannot always repay it — -and a nurses’ life 


NURSE LEE 


23 


fulfills it all. I will be strong some time — ^will I 
not?’’ 

^^With the tender care your mother will give 
you, the rest and quiet you will have, you surely 
should be well — but never very strong, and it 
takes strength to do all you have seen — here comes 
Freida, she is strong, but you can tell her, can 
you not, that even with your unusual strength 
to do all you have assigned you, it’s weary work 
sometimes?” 

^‘IsTot with a patient like Miss Lee,” answered 
the nurse. 

^^Ah, thank you, Freida, how could I be other- 
wise than appreciative with all the ^ind attention 
you have given me, as have all the nurses.” 

^^Well, if Miss Lee is determined to be a nurse 
she will. I know by the way she has shown her 
grit in this severe illness — so lets hail her now 
^Nurse Lee’ and if ever I am ill she must be my 
nurse in Mercy Hospital,” declared Mr. Freemont. 
Dr. Murray will you hail her ^Hurse Lee?’ ” 

Dr. Murray laid his hand tenderly on her gold- 
en hair, as he answered: ^^Think only of your 
health now — let the future care for itself,” then 
he hastily left the room. 


24 


NURSE LEE 


Freida took up, at this juncture, the broken 
thread of her romance, and began, in spite of her- 
self, again the process of weaving it, maybe into 
reality — if only time and circumstance would al- 
low her — but in a few days Miss Lee would be 
in her home so far away. Mr. Freemont, too, 
would be gone, and Dr. Murray’s chance so slight, 
everything, even life itself, so uncertain; what 
was the use to try to guide the thread she had 
incidently woven so as to form no more than a 
flimsy gossamer of thought, instead of anything 
real in a hospital — an abode only of sickly, weak 
people! She must not attempt it, again, but drive 
romances from her mind while her adornment of 
the nurses’ garb was her only decoration of dis- 
tinction. And well she might abandon it, for in 
a few weeks nothing remained but a pleasant 
memory of ^Vhat might have been, the saddest 
thing of tongue or pen,” except the sad face of 
Dr. Murray. 

Three years or a little more had passed. Sit- 
ting in the twilight among his books and papers, 
just at the hour, when, if any bereavement has 
fastened itself closely to the heart its pressure is 
heaviest. Dr. Murray gazed above the mantel. 


NURSE LEE 


25 


where hung a portrait, which any one, had they 
known our invalid of Mercy Hospital, would have 
deemed a perfect likeness of her had she been well. 

Before Dr. Murray’s mind, two dear ones seem- 
ed looking down at him, one the mother of his 
little son, one the face of his fair patient for whom 
Freida fain would have woven a garment of ro- 
mance! All those years he had known only that 
Miss Lee had safely reached her home, and was 
slowly recovering her health. He had thought of 
her often; of the desire she had expressed to learn 
the noble profession of a trained nurse. He felt 
sure her strength would never be sufficient to en- 
able her to carry out such a strenuous course. But 
why need he ever think of her especially since 
many years had passed, and he was never likely 
to see or hear anything of her again? Her sweet 
face so like the one in the picture before him 
would somehow always come in his thoughts, and 
this evening more than ever. With the closing 
hours of daylight, visions of the past seemed 
unusually vivid, and so completely had they taken 
possession of his mind, he did not hear the light 
footsteps nearing his side, and not until the press- 
ure of a soft little hand was felt upon his own 


26 


NURSE LEE 


great one, did he realize that the dearest object 
of his heart was waiting for a welcome. 

^^Darling/’ he cried, ^^papa’s blessing and love, 
are you here?’’ while tenderly he placed his lit- 
tle son on his lap, and clasped his arms about the 
little form. 

^^When you are all alone with mamma in the 
twilight I don’t like to talk to you, papa.” 

^^Have you brought your playthings here to 
show to her today, dear?” 

^^Yes, papa, and she looked down and almost 
laughed; really, when I showed her my new jump- 
ing-jack — just like she really knew.” 

The father drew his boy still closer to him, and 
showered kisses upon the little face. The boy 
nestled closer, and rested his head on his father’s 
broad shoulder. 

^^How I wish that my mamma was a real ma- 
ma. I love you and grandma so much, but to-day 
when I was over to Johnny Drew’s, to show him 
my new funny jumping- jack he was sitting on his 
real mamma’s lap, and his grandma, just like mine, 
was standing by them, and she said, ^yoii do love 
grandma just as well as mamma,’ and he said, T 
love you both just the same, but when his grand- 


NURSE LEE 


27 


ma went in the other room, I saw him put his arm 
round his real mamma’s neck, and they just looked 
at each other, and I know he loves her just a little 
better — and when we went in the other room to 
play, I just said to him ’cause I felt so funny some- 
how, showed my mamma my jumping- jack, 
and she most laughed.’ Then he said, ^O, your 
mamma is just a picture mamma, she ’ain’t a real 
mamma,’ and then he said right out loud, ^your 
mamma is a dead mamma,’ and I cried and corned 
home to grandma — but I do want a real mamma 
like Johnny’s, I do, sometimes!” 

^Toor little boy — but you do love your picture 
mamma up there anyway, don’t you, darling?” 

^^Course I does! and I can hug you, and you 
can hug me, and we can look and look at the pict- 
ure — and see, papa, she smiles at us, don’t she 
now?” 

And so they sat gazing, father and son, on the 
fair face above them, until the twilight slowly 
deepened, and the darkness filled the room. With 
the quiet of the hour, and the coming of night, 
they fell asleep in the doctor’s armchair — the lone- 
ly father and the little son who wished for a real 
mamma! 


28 


NURSE LEE 


It was late at night when the doctor reached 
home from one of his hard trips, and after a bad 
case at Mercy Hospital. To his surprise he found 
the house well lighted. His mother met him at 
the door. She told him, in anxious tones, that lit- 
tle Kobert was quite ill — had a high fever. Bound- 
ing up the stairs to the nursery, he found his 
darling tossing and tumbling about his little bed, 
in the grip of the fever. All night the fond father 
watched over the child. In the morning he was 
no better. 

^^There is such a scarcity of nurses — so much 
sickness — I would have the best of nurses for him, 
mother, for he is very ill — would get Freida, but 
you know she is now matron of Mercy Hospital.^’ 

Going to the telephone he called up and talked 
with several doctors and nurses. Returning to his 
mother’s room, he told her that a nurse was com- 
ing — a new one. She was highly recommended. 
She would arrive soon. 

will stay with Robert until she comes. 
When she is ready for work please bring her up 
to me.” He went up the stairs and into the room 
where his little one lay on a snow white cot, quite 
still now. Sitting down by the side of the bed 


NURSE LEE 


29 


watching his sick child, his darling, knowing in 
his professional way the bitter truth that here was 
a case second only in severity to the one that had 
robbed him of his precious wife — the dear real 
mamma! Now must he use his skill and that of 
his brother physicians to save the boy — and a nurse 
coming whom he had never tested for nursing 
skill. Would she do her best, would she help 
save his boy?’’ Thoughts like these surged through 
his mind, and at last he heard footsteps on the 
stairs. She had come. His mother was bringing 
her up to the room. As she entered, she was fully 
attired in the nurse’s garb, all ready for her duties. 
Dr. Murray’s back was toward the door. His moth- 
er gently whispered, ^^Son, Nurse Lee has come.” 

The man started, turned and gazed at the fair 
vision before him, as one dazed; it was she who 
spoke first, ^^^Dr. Murray,” — holding out her hands 
— ^^do you know me, your patient at Mercy Hos- 
pital so long ago?” 

Ah, Freida, romances do transpire when you 
are not by to weave the delicate threads — the ro- 
mance of a dreary hospital! 

As the weeks of skillful nursing brought re- 
turning health at last, there was the kindling of 


30 


NURSE LEE 


a new love in the hearts of Dr. Murray^s home. 
So closely were the interests allied, the father for 
the son; the nurse to repay the great skill of the 
surgeon who had helped to save her life; the de- 
pendence of the little sufferer upon them both — 
is it any wonder that love found an abiding place 
in their hearts? How often, as little Robert gain- 
ed with the tender care, did he say, ^^Hurse Lee, 
you look like my picture mamma, but she didn’t 
wear a cap.” 

How often Dr. Murray thought the same; 
night and day the thought came to his mind as he 
watched her bending over his sick child, with her 
quiet way, the smile, the kindness, all seemed to 
enhance the resemblance. 

When little Robert was quite well, ISTurse Lee 
was called suddenly away to attend another pa- 
tient. She had worn the nurses’ costume 
constantly, so little Robert thought of her only 
as wearing that distinction of her vocation — never 
as other ladies dressed. It was many months ere 
he saw her again, and he was so lonely without 
her. 

At Mercy Hospital Freida was giving orders. 
To a nurse she said, ^^Prepare room No. 1, first 


NURSE LEE 


31 


floor — place cot for special and take notes.’’ A tele- 
gram had come a few minntes before. For whom 
was the room being arranged, for in giving the 
order Freida’s face was so animated! Dr. Murray 
was excited too. It was poor Mr. Freemont com- 
ing, ill, and alone now in the world, for in the 
few years of his absence his family had been called 
to the great beyond — he was sad, and lonely. 
He would be in the old home again — in his den 
once morel Dr. Murray had called on the special 
nurse — he knew just where to fi.nd her. And now 
she is coming to Mercy Hospital. Is Frieda’s cap 
on straight ^ Ah, yes, and romance quite out of 
her head, with all the responsibility of her posi- 
tion as matron of the hospital. But somehow, 
with the coming of Mr. Freemont, she seemed 
again to feel the revival of it. 

The old -'^gentleman whom they all loved was 
far worse than he knew — very near the time when 
he no more would see visions of the old home — 
the gay^ ladies going up and down the great stair- 
way.^/ He had no use for the past events; it was 
enough for him now that only fair ladies of mercy 
tripped up and down, and about the grand man- 
sion. Again he hailed ^^Nurse Lee” when they 


32 


NURSE LEE 


told him of how she had realized her desire — how 
health and strength had come to her. His first 
words to her were, for he was weak and could say 
but little, ^^Oh, how you do look like — like — ’’ 

^^The picture mamma,’’ interposed Dr. Murray. 

Freida did not quite understand that — but the 
look in the faces of Grace Lee and Dr. Murray 
caused her to weave the strongest thread yet, back 
and forth in her romance weaving! 

The once master of the grand mansion was 
sinking fast. In delirium he was building the 
new home; watching the brilliant scenes enacted 
there, beauty, music, merry-making, interwoven 
with the remodeling of it, and the nurses gliding by. 
Sometimes when Nurse Lee lifted his tired body 
to a more comfortable position, or placed her hand 
soothingly on his brow, he would murmur, ^^so like 
her — so like her,” and when Dr. Murray came 
into the room, toward the last, the poor sick man 
said: ^^She is here, doctor, she didn’t go — where 
is little Kobert?” 

As the nurses and doctors gathered about him, 
just when the sun was promising a bright day, 
weeping for the kind friend who was leaving 
them, he reached out his hand to Nurse Lee; tak- 


NURSE LEE 


33 


ing her dainty one and placing it in Dr. Murray’s 
he murmured^ ^^She looks so like her, and loves 
you, too.” Then the spirit fled to the home above, 
where there is no pain, no tears of sorrow! Freida, 
touched to the heart by the scene, bowed her head 
and offered a prayer, feeling the culmination of her 
would-be-romance too sacred, almost, to be a wit- 
ness thereof! 

Twilight again deepens in the study where Dr. 
Murray sits once more gazing, as he never had so 
earnestly before, at the picture mamma above the 
mantel. His little son nestles in his arms. He is 
trying to tell the child that on the morrow a real, 
dear, new mamma would come, and of how happy 
they would be; how bright the home would be 
again with such a sweet presence! He imagined 
to himself how joyous the child would be; how 
the little fellow would jump up and down for joy; 
and laugh, perhaps cry, for the very joy of it! But 
somehow, under the influence of the gathering 
darkness of evening, the sweet face of the boy’s 
mother seeming to beam upon them, the words 
failed to come easily. Finally he said: ^^Eobert 
dear, you are always wishing for a real mamma?” 


34 


NURSE LEE 


^^Yes, papa, like Johnny has, ’cause he can hug 
her and kiss her real!” 

^^Well, dear, papa is going to bring you to-morrow, 
just such a mamma, and you may hug and kiss 
her all you want to, and love her dearly.” 

The little boy in his arms only looked up at 
the picture mamma a moment, then turned and 
threw his arms about his father’s neck, and sob- 
bed. The father was perturbed, embarrassed be- 
yond degree, but collecting himself, told how dear 
to them she would be, how happy she would make 
them. No sigh of sympathy from the little son. 
^^Don’t you still want a real mamma to love you?” 

The answer came softly and slowly between 
sobs, and the little tearful face turned upward to 
the mantel. 

^Tapa!” 

^Y^es, dear.” 

“I want my dead, picture mamma.” 

Ah, the preversity of a child’s thought — the 
something which the older mind can not fathom. 
Did this angel mother touch with her heavenly 
wings and hover over her child? 

^^Oarry me up stairs now, papa, and put me to 
bed.” 


NURSE LEE 


35 


So with few words, and loving caresses, the lit- 
tle boy who wanted a real mamma fell asleep 
with the tear-drops resting on his dimpled face, 
while the father sat by with his little son’s hand 
in his great skillful one, and dreamed as he linger 
ed there of the days gone by, of his loss so bitter, 
and at last like a sweet benediction, the new love 
swept over his heart, and he could see in the 
future, visions of another life to davm for him on 
the morrow that would give him again a dear one 
so like the boy’s mother that he knew the little 
fellow would soon love her, too, his dear TSTurse 
Lee. 

Mercy LTospital romance, which Lreida so long- 
ed for, was fulfilled on the morrow. 

Wever did the matron of that institution have 
such an interest in the preparation of room T^o. 1, 
first floor. Arranging and re-arranging the roses, 
lilies, carnations — all the beautiful flowers like 
they were when Grace Lee was a patient there. 
The room soon bore no resemblance to a hospital 
room. 

And now a gathering of friends, relatives near- 
est to them — the doctors and nurses are there — 
they turn their faces toward the broad stairway 
where slowly, arm in arm Dr. Murray and ITurse 


36 


NURSE LEE 


Lee are coming. Such a sweet bride, in trailing 
white satin, the jewels gleaming in her hair and 
at her throat, a vision of a fair woman once more 
on these romantic stairs where never again will 
such lovliness be seen ; only the dainty, quiet nurses 
on errands of mercy! 

And now the bride and groom are at home. 
Little Robert is waiting for them. He had kissed 
his father and grandmother as they left the house, 
and smiled to let them know he had a welcome 
now for the new mamma. He had not strayed 
far from the picture mamma in her lovely white 
dress, and was in the big armchair below her when 
the new mamma came in. 

Standing in the fine parlor, in her lovely wed- 
ding gown, ISTurse Lee called, ^^Robert dear, come 
to mamma!’’ 

He walked to the door, looked at her a moment, 
then ran to her outstretched arms saying, 
you are my real, truly mamma come back, yon are 
— you are!” 

He hid his face on her shoulder as they sat 
down beside his father, and wound his arms about 
her, then whispered: ^^You are so like her, my 
picture mamma — and I love you — ^but I — guess 


NURSE LEE 


37 


you are my dear Nurse Lee! But you will be my 
real mamma, too!’^ 

^^But, Robert dear, you’ll never forget to love 
the ^picture mamma,’ will you?” 

^^No, we will always love it, you and I,” answered 
the child. 

Grandma went upstairs with the new mother, 
and there the beautiful white bridal-gown was laid 
away, and arrayed in a soft, pretty blue silk, the 
bride met with the dear ones in Dr. Murray’s 
study where the evening was spent. 

A carriage was sent for Freida who came with 
her pure white nurse’s dress, her garb of rank as 
matron of the hospital. 

When they were all seated about the room, 
Dr. Murray cleared the study-table, and spread 
upon it the blue drawings of an immense hospital^ 
plan. 

A gleam in his eye told of the surprise he 
had in store for them, and when the drawing was 
arranged so all could gather about and view it, he 
told them of the terms of Mr. Freemont’s will 
which gave to ^^Mercy Hospital” the many thou- 
sands of dollars needed to enlarge and make it to 


NURSE LEE 


3d 

lead in size and equipment all the other large hos- 
pitals of the great city. 

am empowered to make this change^ using 
the plan which has been the last work of our dear 
friend, assisted by the best architects/’ explained 
Dr. Murray. 

^^The building will cover the entire ground, 
and will be modern in every respect.” 

^^It may please Freida to know he wished his 
den remodelled for her private office!” 

^^Oh, Dr. Murray, how complete my romance 
is weaving itself into reality — this makes it per- 
fect!” 

^^Your romance, Freida, I had not thought of 
you with a romance after all these years of hard 
work, bending over the cots where the sick and 
maimed have depended on your devotion” said Dr. 
Murray. 

romance, Freida, did you say?” excitedly 
inquired the pretty bride. 

^^Yes, a romance of a hospital, and it began 
when I first saw your pale face — while I combed 
out your beautiful golden hair — when you gazed 
at me as I told you of the pretty ladies going up 


NURSE LEE 


39 


and down the finely carved stairs in the elegant 
hall; then, too, yon looked so like ’’ 

^■Like the picture mamma, like my dear mam- 
ma delightedly joined in little Eobert, as if he 
had solved the mystery of it all. 

^^Yes, Freida, like the dear mother who gave 
up her life,’’ solmenly said the doctor. 

‘Y too, wove a romance — a happy one it has 
proven to be, and Mr. Freemont’s Nurse Lee has 
been the one about which our romancing has cent- 
ered” 

^^And it is to you both, I owe health and hap- 
piness, with the skill and tender nursing which you 
gave me; my life’s pleasure has been of your mak- 
ing,” added Nurse Lee. 

‘Mr. Freemont had left every detail as to the 
furnishings — even the pictures. He had made 
two beautiful paintings of the stairway. One 
represents the gay life^ — the pretty ladies — the 
other — the nurses gliding up and down, bearing 
the small trays: they are to be hung in the re- 
ception room. In the free ward for children, he 
wishes the sweet face of Kobert’s mother to smile 
— the ^^picture mamma” — as it seems to in this 
one over the mantel.” 


40 


NURSE LEE 


will be in tbe free ward and free rooms 
where my heart will be; how we will enjoy see- 
ing the plans of Mr. Freemont mature; every 
brick and every pound of mortar will receive 
our homage — ^we’ll go every day to see it grow — 
the grand hospital — will we not, Robert?’’ 

^^Yes, and we’ll take Johnny Drew along and 
I’ll let him hold one of your hands, mamma, and 
he won’t dare say — well he better not say it!” 

^^Say what, dear,” asked the new mamma, draw- 
ing the little boy tenderly to her. 

— what — well — what ain’t so any more, 
’causel’ve got what he said I didn’t have.” 

And the new mother knew! 

When the work of building the large addition 
to the hospital was finished, and ready for use, suf- 
fering humanity soon filled the rooms, private and 
free. 

Doctors from far and near sent their patients 
there ; the world seemed peopled only with unfortu- 
nates, sick or injured; the nurses fiitted about the 
new corridors, and passed in and out of the rooms 
where everything gave evidence of the comfort of 
newness, even to the dainty white curtains at the 


NURSE LEE 


41 


high windows where the sunlight with its healing 
power gave aid to the sick ones. 

’Tis the figure of a visiting nurse we see glid- 
ing up the steps to the hospital. 

She goes immediately to the telephone. 

^^846-w, please, central.’’ 

^^Is this the ambulance office?” 

^^Send ambulance to basement of 1050 Erie 
street, with plenty of blankets — drive easy on re- 
turn — a bad case — yes — the child.” 

^Give me 446 central, please.” 

Is this the office of the Associated Charities?” 
^^Well, this is the visiting nurse from Mercy hos- 
pital.” 

^^There is a terrible case at 1050 Erie street — 
in the basement — ^yes.” 

^Toiir children sick — one so bad off he is to 
come here — the mother ill too, father dead — they 
need coal and food.” 

^^Oan you send any clothing?” 

^^And bedding?” 

^^ell, all right; send quickly.” 

Turning to an interested nurse who had heard 
the two telephone calls, the visiting nurse speaks 
with pity in her voice. ^^TTow soon sickness and 
death, if long continued, bring on poverty and woe. 


42 


NURSE LEE 


This is such a sad case, for the mother would work 
if she were well — they could have been quite com- 
fortable if this illness had not overtaken them — 
my, but it was cold there — and so dismal. You 
sent the nurse I called for very quickly. She will 
soon have them comfortable.’’ 

^^Rest long enough to have a cup of tea, Miss 
Williams, won’t you — you’ve had such a busy 
day?” said the kind hearted house nurse. 

thank you, I’ve heard of a case on Meade 
street — must get over there as soon as possible — 
good-bye.” 

Away went the busy visiting nurse on her mis- 
sion of relief. 

This is what transpires often every day in a hos- 
pital. 

In a little while the white ambulance with the 
bright red cross — which typifies holiness, is seen 
coming slowly toward the entrance where the free 
ward for children is located, and as it reaches the 
curbing, doctors and nurses meet it. The frail, 
starved, sick little body is tenderly borne on the 
stretcher to the little white cot awaiting it in the 
clean, sunny room. 

How gently the nurse and doctor lift the emac- 
iated little form from the stretcher and place it on 


NURSE LEE 


43 


the dear, snow-white bed! 

The eyes of the child open and close on the new 
scenes with utter weariness; too ill is he to com- 
prehend what is passing, save as a sweet face bends 
over him, and that something warm and soothing 
is touching his lips and tongue; save that warmth 
is coming to him as over his frail body a hand, 
gentle in movement, is imparting the restfulness 
which comes with the bath. A dainty white robe 
has been warming close at hand, and with the skill 
known only to the good nurse is deftly placed up- 
on him without disturbing him; blankets are 
wrapped abuut him; a sweet voice speaks to him 
as a hand is placed firmly under his head — -^^Take 
this, dear, and then you will sleep.’’ 

During the hours of the night the nurse watch- 
ing beside him, hears, as she bends over him, the 
feeble voice utter, in most tender solicitude: ^Ts 
mamma warm, too?” 

Is there on God’s fair earth a more beautiful 
act? Is there anything to equal the goodness of 
human hearts? 

^^Who works night and day more devotedly, 
more tenderly than a nurse over a bed where lies a 
human form, poor, and many times, homeless. 

’Tis not only the little babe, the boys and girls 


44 


NURSE LEE 


who fill the free beds; men, fallen from swiftly 
moving trains, men, young and old, with broken 
limbs and bruised bodies; women who have worked 
for dear ones until the feeble body has rebelled; 
young girls to whom poverty and toil have come 
out of all proportion to the joys which should have 
filled their young lives; and now all need the rest- 
fulness of the hospital quiet, the skill of physicians, 
the art of the nurse, with the balm that was created 
by God before the wound was made — the balm of 
the heart and the gentle touch. were gentle 

among you, as a nurse cherisheth her children.’’ 

Flowers bloom in the windows of the hospital 
and fill the rooms with cheerfulness. The little 
children play about their rooms as convalescense 
comes. Playthings are scattered about. A new 
life is opened to manv a child who had known only 
abuse, filth, and hunger. 

To mitigate the sufferings of the sick, the 
wounded, the infirm, the poor, this is a beautiful 
science to studv, and the skill of the medical profes- 
sion, ^^the true nurse’s touch, and the ready sym- 
pathy with the afflicted which enables those who 
possess it to divine their wants before they are ex- 
pressed,” this makes a noble work to undertake. 

Freighted with sympathy and a common solici- 


NURSE LEE 


45 


tude, tender and true, is the friendships which de- 
velops in a hospital among the patients and of- 
times without any visitation one from the other — 
all that is needed is the inquiries, ^^how is the lady 
across the hall,’’ or ’’did the man in the next room 
have a good night” — ^^did the temperature of the 
child, at the end of the hall, go down,” ^^here, 
nurse take these roses to the little boy with the 
broken leg.” The common sympathy, how prec- 
ious, engendered in a hospital! 

And among the friends who wait, sometimes 
weary hours, for the result of the operation on 
some dear one, this common sympathy forms a part 
of the every day life in a hospital. Those who 
have passed the ordeal and whose dear ones are 
convalescent, give words of encouragement to those 
who wait — strangers from thousands of miles away, 
often are of this class. Who can estimate the 
worth of the sympathetic words vouch-safed 
to such a lonely one! And this outpouring of the 
heart comes without a touch of inquisitiveness, 
which would mar the sensibility of it, and render 
the sacredness of the true solicitude only common- 
place. 

A world by itself, is a hospital ; one which needs 
httle else than simplicity, skill, patience, endurance. 


46 


NURSE LEE 


encouragement and sympathy. One where quiet 
reigns, restfulness comes, relief is promised and 
given; one where riches and poverty meet in 
sympathy, to receive the same blessing, a restora- 
tion to health, without which no life can be happy. 
Pain makes all the world akin. Relief from it 
makes a common rejoicing, and binds human hearts 
with a closeness beyond compare. 

Dare not to hover over the cots with thy dark 
wings, Azrael, thou angel of Death! 

Come not with the amaranthine wreath; whis- 
per not the words that fall upon the house with a 
sudden gloom, and deep anguish bring! 

Come in at the hospital door, ^^with a smile 
that fills the house with light,’^ thou angel of Life; 
hover over the cots with thy white wings, ^^crown- 
ed with asphodels, like flakes of light,’^ and pro- 
claim ^^my errand is not Death, but Life,’^ then 
^^speed on to thy celestial embassy!’’ 



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